"Of course if we don't use the hours, there's no extra charge," he said.

Until Monday, the district relied on the school board attorney and the superintendent to answer difficult legal questions.

"I just felt like it was in the best interest of the school," Armour said.

Street was hired unanimously.

Hardship

The Hector School Board approved a hardship grant for a high school student.

David Waddell, high school principal, asked the board to consider allowing the student to leave school two classes early to begin working. He said the family was suffering financial troubles and as long as the student kept up his grades, he recommended the board approve the hardship.

The hardship grant is only for seniors who can prove financial hardship, Waddell said.

Don Freeman, president, said as long as the student maintained good grades and was being overseen by the principal he would approve the grant.

The motion passed unanimously.

In other business

The board approved discussing the proposed budget Thursday at 6 p.m. after a computer glitch prevented the budget from being presented at Monday's meeting.

Armour awarded member Gary Newport with a plaque thanking him for his 10 years of service. Newport will rotate off the board after the Sept. 19 school board election. Four candidates are vying for his position.